On April 22, Hailie Deegan, former NASCAR driver, took a significant step in her racing career by participating in an Indy NXT test at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Donning her HMD Motorsports race suit emblazoned with Monster Energy logos, she shared her experience with her 1.7 million Instagram followers, who got a glimpse into her new journey through a four-picture carousel. The images captured Deegan in her racing suit, navigating the track, during a track walk, and showcasing the front of her car proudly displaying “DEEGAN.”
Deegan’s shift to open-wheel racing follows her tenure in the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Her departure from stock cars came after an abrupt mid-season ending with NASCAR Xfinity’s AM Racing. Embracing a new challenge, Deegan now competes for HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT series, indicating a strategic pivot in her racing trajectory.
The racer, who commands a significant social media presence, regularly updates her supporters on her racing endeavors. Her latest test at Nashville Superspeedway earlier this month marked her first oval test, further enhancing her confidence and comfort in the new racing format. Discussing her day with Indy NXT by Firestone’s official YouTube Channel, the 23-year-old expressed how initial uncertainties transformed into a robust sense of assurance as the day progressed.
October 2024 witnessed Deegan’s parting of ways with AM Racing, prompting her entry into the competitive realm of open-wheel racing via the junior IndyCar series, Indy NXT. This transition signifies not only a fresh chapter in her career but also her determination to excel in the demanding arena of IndyCar’s junior category, where she pilots the number 38 car for HMD Motorsports.
Looking ahead, Deegan is set to compete in the Grand Prix of Alabama on May 4 at 11:30 AM ET. Her journey through the Indy NXT series is closely watched, promising exciting developments as she continues to make her mark in the racing world, a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
